The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1887-11-25
WILHELM's SPEECH.
The Peaceful Policy of Prus-
STA Stated.
THE CROWN PRINCES ILLNESS.
Press Comments on the Speech 1t ID
Vague on the Subject of the
Foreign Policy.
The Emperor,s speech.

BERLIN, November 24.-The Reichstag
was opened to-day. Minister Won
Boetticher read the speech from the
throne. The speech was substantially
az follows: Germany, in her foreign
policy, has successfully endeavored to
strengthen the peace of Europe, by the
cultivation of friendly relations with all
of the Powers by treaties and alliances,
aiming 10 avert the danger of war, and
to Jointly oppose any unjust attacks
Germany has no aggressive tendencies;
she has no wants to be satisfied through
victorious wars. An unchristian dis
position to surprise neighborng peoples
is foreign to the German nature and the
constitution of the empire. The military
organization of the country is not
calculated to disturb the peace of her
neighbors by arbitrary attacks. Ger
many is strong IN parrylng surprises
and defending her independence. She
wishes to become so strong that she
can face with composure every danger.
The resumption of the Reichstag comes
at a serious time. The grave complaint
with which the Crown Prince has been
visited fills the mind, not only of the
Emperor, but also of his august allies
and the whole of Germany with
anxious care. Nothing that human
science and knowledge and careful
tending can do will be left undone.
Our eyes and prayers, how
ever, are directed toward God,
whose DEGREES rule the destinies
of the nations as well as that
of individual man. Firm confidence in
fy1IGllrnont IF
been, in all especially grave moments.
the tried support of our people, and
they will now also enable us to do JUS
tee to the Iabors awaiting the Iegisla
ture.
There has been gratifying improve
ment in the financial condition of the
country, and it is expected that next
year will show a surplus OF nearly
so OCO, 900 marks.
Bills will be introduced abolishing
compulsory contributions on the part
of officers and imperial officials to the
widows and orphans fund; increasing
corn duties; modifying the landwehr
and lsndsturm system so that it will
be considerably strengthened; re-
iating to the insurance of artisans
in cases of old age and sickness;
modifying the friendly societies law
with regard to the sale of wine; ten3-
porarily prolonging the Austro- German
treaty, and ratifying the treaties Of
commerce with some American States.
One hundred and fifty deputies were
present. The places reserved for mem
bers of the court were not occupied. In
the diplomatic gallery there were only
a few military attaches, but the public
galleries were crowded. At noon. the
members of the Bundesrath enteredSthe
White Hall, which was illuminated, and
TOOK positions on the left of the throne.
During the reading OF the speech,
Minister Won Boettis cher was often in
terrupted by applause and enthusiastic
cheers. At the close, Herr Won Beet
fischer, having declared the Relchstag
open, Herr " edell Piesdorf, president
OF the body, called for cheers for the
Emperor, which were given with en-
thusissm.
The president, in his opening adj
dress, alluded to the serious nature of
the illness of the Crown Prince and the
grief of the country over his fate. The
anxiety concerning his condition rele-
gated all other thoughts to the back
ground. The members would Join, with
the presidents aid, in expressing their
sorrow and declaring that they placed
El6lI commence III 0O0 b1dOO dAO
mercy. He asked authroity to convey
these sentiments to the Emperor and
to send the following telegram to the
Crown Prince:
The Reichstag, in profound reverence and
cordial love, thinks OF your imperial nigh
ness. May God protect your precious lie
and preserve it for the salvation OF the
Fatherlsnd.
The deputies listened to the address
standing, and unanimously approved
the presidents suggestions.
COMMENTS ON THE SPEECH.
The National Gazette, commenting on
the speech from the throne, says it
hopes the effects of the peaceful policy
of which the message treats may be
multiplied as the session proceeds, and
that more explicit statement made in the
Reichstsg regarding Germany's foreign
relations, may establish the fact that
the European situation is growing
CleaTe1.
The Berlin Post is dissatisfied because
of the vagueness of the reference to
foreign affairs at time, when the red
sun of q Russo-Austrisn war Is visible
in the morning sky"
The expenditure for the imperial
ornaments is estimated in the budget at
362, 455 .OlO marks. including II 900 900
for completing the strategic railways.